Nell: You’re awake late this morning.
Me: I decided to have a lie-in as it’s my birthday weekend.
Nell: Fair enough. David will bring your breakfast on a tray.
Me: Is that a good idea?
Nell: It’s bacon sandwiches so he should be able to manage. I wouldn’t have let him carry boiled eggs.
Me: Might there be some Eating by Mistake?
Nell: No, he’s allowed an extra sandwich to eat on the way upstairs so it should keep him busy. Did you enjoy yesterday?
Me: I did. Very much. Thank you to everyone for your birthday messages. The party at the pub was great fun, wasn’t it?
Nell: It was.
Me: All that singing and dancing.
Nell: Where’s Nigel this morning?
Me: He had to go home to look after Xav.
Nell: Xav the Cat?
Me: Yes.
Nell: Nigel left us to go and spend time with a cat?
Me: They’re best friends. Nigel likes to watch him eat.
Nell: Absolutely outrageous.
Me: It is a bit odd. I don’t know why you’re complaining. You don’t even like Nigel.
Nell: Abandoning family and friends to watch a cat eat.
Me: Can I just point out that your best friend is a cat?
Nell: The Cat is not A cat it is The Cat.
Me: I don’t see the difference.
Nell: Well, you should. And I would never watch The Cat eat.
Me: You Labradors will watch anyone eat.
Nell: We’re Caring and Supportive animals. What can I say?
Me: I think Nigel might be coming back, if that’s what’s worrying you?
Nell: It’s not.
Me: You’re a funny old thing about Nigel. Don’t want to be with him but can’t be without him.
Nell: I most certainly can and less of the funny old thing, please.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
